If you are planning an extension, new home, barn conversion, listed building project, commercial refurbishment or public sector scheme, appointing an architect can feel like a big step. These are the questions we are most often asked by clients at the start of a project.
RRA Architects works nationally, with many projects across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, the Cotswolds, the West Midlands, the Southwest and South Wales. Whether you are just exploring an idea or ready to move forward, we are happy to talk things through before any chargeable work begins.
The best place to start is with a conversation. You do not need to have all the answers before speaking to an architect. We can talk through your ideas, the site or property, your budget, likely constraints and whether the project may need planning permission, listed building consent or other approvals.
At RRA Architects, an initial conversation helps us understand what you are trying to achieve and allows us to advise on the most sensible next steps.
There is no legal requirement to appoint an architect for every building project, but many projects benefit from professional architectural advice. An architect can help you make better use of space, avoid costly mistakes, improve the design, coordinate consultants and guide you through planning and Building Regulations.
This is especially useful for extensions, remodels, listed buildings, barn conversions, new homes, commercial projects and sites in conservation areas or sensitive rural locations.
At RRA Architects, an initial conversation helps us understand what you are trying to achieve and allows us to advise on the most sensible next steps.
Yes. Not every project needs a full architectural service from start to finish. Smaller projects may only need a measured survey, design options, planning drawings and Building Regulation drawings. Some clients then manage the build themselves and come back to us for advice as needed.
The important thing is agreeing the right scope, so you are only paying for the level of support your project actually needs.
Yes. You are welcome to call or email us for initial advice. If your project needs a site visit, feasibility report, measured survey, planning review or design options, we will confirm any fees in writing before starting.
We are not like solicitors. We do not charge simply because you pick up the phone.
Speak to more than one architect before deciding. We usually suggest speaking to at least three practices so you can compare experience, approach, fees and personality.
Ask whether they have worked on similar projects, whether their projects have been built, how they communicate and what level of service they offer. A building project can last months or years, so choose someone you trust and feel comfortable working with.
Start with recommendations, then check credentials. You can also use the Architects Registration Board and RIBA to find registered or chartered architects in the UK.
If your project is in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, the Cotswolds, the West Midlands, the Southwest or South Wales, it can help to appoint an architect with regional planning knowledge and local consultant contacts.
In the UK, the title “architect” is protected by law. Only someone registered with the Architects Registration Board can legally call themselves an architect.
Other titles such as architectural designer, architectural consultant or plan drawer are not protected in the same way, so it is important to check qualifications, experience, insurance and professional standing.
An architect is registered with the Architects Registration Board and has completed the required education, practical training and professional examinations. Architects must also follow a professional code of conduct and hold appropriate insurance.
An architectural designer may have design experience or architectural training, but they are not necessarily a registered architect. They may still provide useful services, but the title does not carry the same legal protection or professional requirements.
RRA Architects is an RIBA Chartered Practice. This means we meet the high standards set by the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Professional Code of Conduct, including requirements for quality, competence, insurance and professional conduct.
For clients, this provides extra reassurance that the practice is properly qualified, professionally managed and committed to good service.
Maybe you should not. That sounds odd, but choosing an architect is personal. You need the right fit for your project, budget and working style.
Clients choose RRA Architects because we are friendly, practical and professional. We give honest advice, listen carefully and look for ways to add value, whether that means improving a home, unlocking a difficult site, supporting a planning strategy or helping a historic building work for modern use.
RRA Architects works nationally, while most of our projects are across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, the Cotswolds, the West Midlands, the Southwest and South Wales.
We regularly work with clients in Cheltenham, Hereford, Ludlow, Worcester, Cirencester, Bristol and the surrounding rural areas.
Yes. We work across the Cotswolds and Gloucestershire, including Cheltenham and surrounding towns and villages. Our experience includes private homes, listed buildings, conservation projects, commercial schemes and community buildings.
Yes. RRA has long-standing experience across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire, including residential, rural, heritage, commercial and public sector projects.
An architect is registered with the Architects Registration Board and has completed the required education, practical training and professional examinations. Architects must also follow a professional code of conduct and hold appropriate insurance.
An architectural designer may have design experience or architectural training, but they are not necessarily a registered architect. They may still provide useful services, but the title does not carry the same legal protection or professional requirements.
Architectural fees vary depending on the size, complexity, risk and scope of your project. Fees may be based on a fixed fee, hourly rate, percentage of construction cost or a combination of these. We discuss and explain fee options before agreeing the best route for each project.
As an approximate guide, a simple design and planning application package for a small extension may be in the region of £2,000 to £3,000 plus VAT, excluding other consultant fees and local authority application fees.
For full architectural services, fees often vary between 8% and 12% of the construction cost, depending on the scope, complexity and level of service required.
Yes, where the scope is clear. Fixed fees work well when the brief, deliverables and stages are fully defined.
If the project is still uncertain, early work may be better carried out on a fixed fee (also known as a lump sum fee) to explore the options before committing to further work.
Your architect’s fee covers the agreed professional services and deliverables. This can include feasibility advice, design options, planning drawings, Building Regulation drawings, technical details, tender information or construction stage services.
Costs paid to others are separate. These may include planning application fees, Building Control fees, structural engineers, ecology surveys, heritage reports and other specialist consultants.
Many projects need input from other consultants. Depending on the site and brief, this might include a structural engineer, quantity surveyor, planning consultant, ecologist, arboriculturist, heritage consultant, drainage consultant, services engineer, highways consultant or Principal Designer.
RRA can help advise which consultants are needed and coordinate the team where appropriate.
Start by being honest about what you want to achieve and what you can afford. The final cost depends on size, complexity, site conditions, specification, construction method and market conditions.
For many projects, we recommend involving a quantity surveyor. A quantity surveyor can prepare cost plans, assist with tendering and help manage cost risk during construction.
The best way to reduce cost risk is to make key decisions early, define the scope clearly and avoid changes during construction. Good drawings, a clear specification and proper tender information help builders price the work more accurately.
Changing your mind on paper is relatively cheap. Changing your mind once work has started on site is usually expensive. Annoying, but true.The best way to reduce cost risk is to make key decisions early, define the scope clearly and avoid changes during construction. Good drawings, a clear specification and proper tender information help builders price the work more accurately.
Changing your mind on paper is relatively cheap. Changing your mind once work has started on site is usually expensive. Annoying, but true.
Not always. Some works may fall under permitted development, but the rules depend on the property, location and type of work. Restrictions are more likely in conservation areas, National Landscapes, listed buildings and other sensitive locations.
If you want certainty, you may be able to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate from the local planning authority.
No. No architect can guarantee planning permission because the decision rests with the local planning authority.
A good architect can improve your chances by assessing planning policy, identifying risks, preparing clear drawings and presenting the design in a way that responds to the site and local context.
Yes. We can advise whether your project may fall under permitted development and whether applying for a Certificate of Lawful Development would be sensible.
Permitted development is useful, but it is not a free-for-all. The rules can be detailed and are often restricted in conservation areas, listed buildings and protected landscapes.
Yes. RRA has significant experience with listed buildings, conservation areas, churches, historic homes and sensitive heritage sites.
These projects often need a more careful approach, including heritage analysis, listed building consent, detailed repair strategies and early discussions with conservation officers.
Yes. Rural planning routes such as Class Q and Class R barn conversions and Paragraph 84 exceptional homes can be complex and depend heavily on site-specific circumstances.
Early feasibility advice is important, particularly for agricultural buildings, open countryside sites, replacement dwellings and sensitive rural landscapes across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds.
Most projects begin with a conversation. We listen to what you want to achieve, look at the site or building, identify the main opportunities and constraints, then agree the right level of service.
From there, a project may move through feasibility, concept design, planning, technical design, tender and construction. Not every client needs every stage, so we tailor the process to the project.
The RIBA Plan of Work is a standard framework that organises projects into stages, from briefing and concept design through to technical design, construction and handover. This used to be known as the RIBA Stages of Work until it was updated in 2020.
Not every project needs every stage. A small home extension may need a lighter process, while a listed building, commercial scheme or public sector project may need a fuller service.
If you would like to know about the RIBA Plan of Work in detail, it is available to download here.
At concept stage, you would usually receive design options, sketches, plans or 3D views that explore what may be possible. The aim is to agree the direction of travel before spending money on more detailed drawings.
This stage helps test layout, appearance, budget, planning risk and whether the brief is realistic.
Planning drawings explain the design to the local planning authority. They usually show the proposed layout, elevations, scale, materials and relationship to the site or neighbouring buildings.
They are not usually detailed enough for a builder to price or construct the project accurately.
Building Regulation drawings provide more technical information than planning drawings. They show how the design will meet Building Regulations, including structure, insulation, fire safety, drainage, ventilation and accessibility where relevant.
They are an important step between planning approval and construction.
Tender or working drawings are more detailed construction documents used to obtain accurate prices from builders and guide the build on site.
A stronger drawing and specification package can reduce misunderstandings, reduce pricing gaps and help avoid expensive changes during construction.
That is fine. We regularly work with builders chosen by clients. We can provide drawings and information for your builder, answer technical queries and help coordinate design decisions.
It is still important that roles are clear, especially if the builder is pricing, advising and constructing the work.
We can provide Contract Administration, if that is part of the agreed service. Some clients only need drawings and advice. Others want us to inspect work, attend site meetings, answer queries and administer the building contract.
The right level of involvement depends on the project size, complexity, procurement route and how much time you want to spend managing the build yourself.
Yes, where appointed to do so. Site inspections can help check that work is progressing in line with the drawings and can help resolve issues before they become bigger problems.
For smaller projects, clients sometimes prefer to manage the builder directly and ask us for advice only when needed.
There are two different roles called Principal Designer, which is understandably confusing.
The CDM Principal Designer is focused on health and safety during the design and pre-construction stages of a project. This role helps identify, reduce and manage risks before work starts on site. The role comes from the Construction Design and Management Regulations, often shortened to CDM. Health and Safety Executive guidance describes the Principal Designer as having legal responsibilities for planning, managing, monitoring and coordinating health and safety during the pre-construction phase. More information is on the hse.gov.uk website.
The Building Regulations Principal Designer is a separate role linked to Building Regulations compliance. This role helps plan, manage and monitor design work so that the project can meet Building Regulations. The updated duty holder requirements for design and building work are set out in government guidance.
For some projects, the same person or practice may be able to carry out both roles. For others, it may be more appropriate to appoint different people. We can explain what your project needs and agree the right approach before any appointment is made.
Yes, where appropriate and agreed. RRA Architects can act as Principal Designer on suitable projects, depending on the scope, complexity, procurement route and project team.
Because there are two different Principal Designer roles, one under CDM and one under Building Regulations, we will confirm exactly which role is required, what duties are involved and whether any additional appointments are needed. This is particularly important on larger, more complex or higher-risk projects.
RRA Architects provides architectural services for projects of all sizes, from early feasibility and concept design through to planning, Building Regulations, technical design, tender and construction stage support.
Our work includes residential, commercial, education, healthcare, public sector, heritage, conservation, rural and community projects. Some clients appoint us for full architectural services from first idea to completion. Others need a more focused package, such as a measured survey, design options, planning application or Building Regulation drawings.
We also work alongside the right consultants where needed, including structural engineers, quantity surveyors, surveyors, ecologists, planning consultants and heritage specialists.
Yes. We work on new homes, large extensions, whole-house remodels and high-quality refurbishments. We usually begin by testing the brief, budget and planning position before developing design options.
Yes. We support developers with feasibility studies, capacity testing, planning strategy, residential layouts, commercial sites and mixed-use schemes.
Early-stage advice can be particularly valuable when assessing land, planning risk and development potential.
Yes. RRA works on commercial, retail, leisure, office, industrial and agricultural projects. These often involve operational requirements, phased delivery, landlord approvals, access, servicing and coordination with consultants.
Yes. We have experience across education, healthcare, community and public sector work. These projects often require stakeholder engagement, clear compliance, practical phasing and well-managed design information.
Yes. We have extensive experience converting barns of all types, including Dutch Barns, field barns, stone barns and cruck frame barns. Barn conversions and rural buildings often require careful planning advice from the start. The design may need to balance heritage, landscape, ecology, structure and the limits of what can be altered.
We work on rural and agricultural buildings across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, the Cotswolds and surrounding areas.
Church reordering means adapting an existing church to better support worship, community use and long-term sustainability. This might include new seating, adding cafés, accessible facilities, meeting rooms, heating, lighting or improved circulation.
For listed churches, the approval route and heritage strategy need to be carefully considered from the outset. The best church reordering projects are not about forcing modern uses into historic buildings. They are about understanding the building’s significance, protecting its fabric and finding a future that helps it remain useful, loved and financially viable.
At All Saints Church in Hereford, RRA Architects developed a conservation-led approach that allowed new facilities to be installed without damaging the historic stonework. A café and mezzanine were introduced using non-invasive, freestanding supports in the Grade II* listed medieval church.
Crucially, the café created a long-term income stream to help fund repairs and ongoing upkeep, allowing the church to remain active as both a place of worship and a community space. The project won a RIBA Award and a Civic Trust Award and became the benchmark for imaginative church reordering nationally.
No. We do not believe every project should look the same, because every client, site, budget and building is different.
Our approach starts with listening. We take time to understand what you need now, what you may need in the future and what opportunities your property or site can offer. From there, we explore design options that are practical, thoughtful and specific to you.
Some projects call for contemporary architecture, while others need a sensitive conservation-led response. Many require a careful balance of both. Rather than imposing a recognisable RRA style, we aim to create buildings that feel right for the client and right for their context. Good architecture should serve the people who use it, not the ego of the person drawing it.
Yes. Sustainability has been part of RRA’s design approach for 40 years, long before “eco-friendly” became the phrase of the moment.
We look first at good design decisions that can reduce energy use and improve comfort, often with little or no extra build cost. This might include orientation, natural light, passive solar gain, insulation, ventilation, efficient layouts, responsible materials and long-term flexibility.
At the early stages of a project, we work with clients to identify realistic environmental goals that suit the site, budget and brief. Our aim is to create buildings that perform well, use energy responsibly and are designed to last.
For heritage buildings, sustainability often needs a particularly careful approach. We have experience in sensitively retrofitting energy systems and improving performance while protecting historic fabric.
It depends on the condition of the existing building, planning constraints, budget, embodied carbon, heritage value and what you want to achieve.
There can also be VAT implications, with some types of work charged differently depending on whether the project is a new build, conversion, refurbishment or extension. This can have a significant effect on the overall budget, so it is worth considering this early on.
We can help compare the options so you understand the practical, financial, environmental and planning implications before making a decision.
This is a question we hear a lot. Many clients come to us because they like where they live, but their home no longer works for the way they live.
Extending or remodelling can unlock space, light and value in a home you already know and love. However, some properties have limits, whether because of layout, structure, planning restrictions, neighbours, budget or site constraints.
A feasibility study can help you test the options properly. We can look at different scenarios; highlight issues you may not have considered and help you decide whether adapting your current home is realistic or whether moving may be the better long-term answer.
As much as you want, but your involvement matters most at key decision points. We will need your input on the brief, budget, priorities, design preferences and major choices.
Good communication helps keep the project moving. Slow decisions can delay drawings, planning submissions and construction.
The most successful projects tend to be the result of good collaboration between all stakeholders involved.
It helps to gather any existing drawings, estate agent plans, title information, photos, survey reports and inspiration images. It is also useful to think about your budget, timescale, must-haves and nice-to-haves.
Do not worry if you do not have everything. We can help you work out what is needed.
Yes. RRA Architects holds appropriate Professional Indemnity insurance. Evidence of insurance can be provided on request.
Every project is different and there is no such thing as a silly question, especially at the beginning. It is much better to ask early than to discover a problem later. Please call us on 01242 269374 or email us at enquiries@rraarchitects.com
